Internet Access Policy

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES

INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

1(A)     The main purpose of this service is:
to provide access to information and communications technology to a wider audience thus ensuring the development of the Information Societyto offer access in a non-threatening environmentto facilitate social inclusion in the adoption of new technologies.

1(B)     Acceptable Use of Internet Resources Policy
Wexford County Council Library Service provides public access to the Internet as a means of bringing the benefits of Information and Communications technology to all the people of Wexford.

2. You Should Know
The Internet takes you outside Library walls and into an electronic world of information that has all of the excitement and risks of the world at large.  Much of the information you find may be valuable, but not all Internet resources are reliable, current or accurate.  You may find opinions, ideas and images that are controversial, divergent, inflammatory and offensive.  By providing access, the Library does not endorse or sanction the content or point of view of information or commentary found on the Internet.
The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, losses, costs or expenses arising either directly or indirectly from the use of the Library's access to the Internet.

3. Privacy
The Library respects the privacy of Internet use, but cannot guarantee it.

4. Filtering the Internet
The Library subscribes to a filtering service, which is found on public access computers throughout all branches of the Library.  This filtering service limits access to the amount of pornographic or obscene materials available on the Internet but you should be aware that no filtering service is completely effective.  The Library does not edit what is made available or filtered out by this service.The Library does not otherwise control the content of the materials on the Internet.  It is up to you to determine for yourself the value of what you find.

5. Responsible Use
Internet users are accessing information in a public environment.  All users are expected to act in a legal, co-operative and responsible manner.  Users should not access or attempt to access any material that is likely to be considered offensive for viewing in a public place.

6. Supervising Children’s Use
Parents and legal guardians of children under the age of 14 are responsible for monitoring their children’s use of the Internet and for deciding what Internet and other Library resources are appropriate for their children.  Parents must supervise their children’s Internet sessions and not rely on filtering software.
No more than two users per computer can be accommodated except in the case of pre-booked group tutorials.

7. Rules Governing Use
You may not use Library computers:

• to access obscene or pornographic sites.  If you inadvertently access one of these sites, you must exit from it immediately
• to interfere with or alter the Library’s computers, networks, or any of its hardware or software
• to use any of your own software, programs or hardware
• to violate Copyright Law or software licenses

The Library reserves the right to view internet content on library computers at any time. Violation of the rules may result in loss of Internet Access and/or Library privileges

If you have read, understood and accepted our Internet Use Policy, you may access the Internet in any of Wexford County Council’s public libraries.